A rapid method for the detection of potentially viable Mycobacterium leprae in human biopsies: a novel application of PCR.

A simple procedure based on the polymerase chain reaction has been developed to detect Mycobacterium leprae, rapidly and unambiguously, in biological samples. Its application to small numbers of M. leprae cells (approximately 10(2] isolated from armadillo liver, mouse footpads or human biopsies is discussed.